“It would appear that I’ve found a worthy opponent this time,” remarked Ben with a sigh.
Zachary was the type who was meticulous and constantly strategizing, never failing to take the next step first. In business, he rarely, if not ever, encountered opponents worthy of his skill. This time, however, he had made a grave mistake.
And that was his failure to counter Danrique head on.
However, facing Charlotte, who was an acolyte trained by Danrique, was perilous enough. He’d been sorely beaten multiple times in a row even before the real battle had started.
I wonder how an actual fight with Danrique would pan out in the future.
No, I shouldn’t be thinking of this. I dare not.
The pressure that he felt in the face of this crisis was insurmountable.
“If I may, I think that Ms. Lindberg is your weakness.” Somehow, Ben had given Zachary one of the key points. “You can be rational and decisive towards anyone but her. She’s a different kind of weak spot for you.”
Zachary was silent. Of course, he was well aware. This was why the old man was so insistent on turning Charlotte away.
Henry believed that when she was being used by the Lindbergs to handle the Nachts, the Nachts would be in grave danger.
It was a shame that he tried with all his might, and not only failed to prevent it. Henry had made a few mistakes along the way, which led to this.
If she had not been sent away, maybe things would not have turned out like this at all. Even if the Lindbergs had been aware of Charlotte’s identity and came to claim her as a descendent, there was no plausible reason for her to help the Lindbergs to begin with.
But now, all it took was one wrong step. Due to the arrogance of the Nachts, tragedy has ensued.
Charlotte losing her memory was one thing. She had changed into a completely different person altogether.
Even if her memory was restored in the future, she would probably bear only a deep-seated hatred towards the Nachts.
Could that hatred be offset by the children? Or even the feelings they shared in the past?
Zachary had no confidence in even that.
Ben noticed Zachary spiraling deeper into his thoughts and tried to console him. “That was not your fault. You tried to protect Ms. Lindberg. It was beyond your control.”
“No, it’s my fault.” Zachary smiled bitterly to himself. “I am not persistent enough. I am indecisive, and I have too many scruples.”
“There wasn’t anything you could have done at the time,” said Ben hurriedly. “You were trying to save her.”
“If I bit the bullet and prepared to lay down my life for her, this never would’ve happened,” lamented Zachary. “My hubris made me assume that I could control everything.”
“I think the fault lies with the person who attacked Ms. Lindberg from the shadows,” said Ben bitterly. “If it weren’t for that, things wouldn’t have turned out this way.”
“Yes, I need to find out who it was that set up both Charlotte and Mrs. Berry in T Nation so that she has an explanation at least.” Zachary frowned and chewed on his lower lip. “My best guess is that it’s either Zara or Sharon, but there is no evidence to make that accusation.”
“That incident was also strange. If the Lindbergs hadn’t deliberately erased records of Sharon’s entry to T Nation, we would’ve found out ages ago.” Ben sounded quite indignant as he toyed with the collar of his shirt. “Basically, Danrique concealed this to allow Ms. Lindberg to get to you.”
“External factors should not be the main reason.” Zachary sighed and looked pointedly at Ben. “Even if Danrique acted out, it was only because we messed up first.”
“Don’t worry. Bruce has been investigating this, and maybe we’ll have some news soon.”
Zachary narrowed his eyes slightly. “I can’t wait much longer. I need to find out who did this and give Charlotte some closure.”
After a pause, Zachary thought of something again. “If I remember correctly, it’ll be the old man’s ninety-eighth birthday soon. On the nineteenth, I think. I want you to go to the press and inform them that I’ll be organizing a birthday banquet for him.”
Ben nodded and made the necessary arrangements.
When the plane landed in Phoenix City, Zachary received a call from Bruce.
“Mr. Nacht, as expected, Ms. Lindberg’s private jet did take off and land on time, but she never arrived at Erihal.”
Upon hearing these words, Zachary’s expression was very solemn.
“Mr. Nacht, what should I do now?” asked Bruce on the other end of the line.
After a long silence, Zachary said, “From now on, you only need to do one thing. You need to keep the children safe.”
“Understood.”
